New Syrian Authorities Suspected of Massacring Civilians Amid Ongoing Violence

Human rights activists have reported that nearly 340 civilians were killed by the new Syrian government, marking a significant outbreak of violence. The situation escalated with an Alawite uprising against Assad supporters, leading to government admissions of “violations”. The transitional government and their international supporters position themselves amidst ongoing unrest following Assad’s removal.

Human rights activists have reported the killing of nearly 340 civilians, including women and children from the Alawite minority, by the new Syrian government in recent days. This tragic event marks one of the deadliest escalations in Syria’s ongoing civil war, which has persisted for 13 years. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based organization, provided these findings, emphasizing the severity of the violence under the new regime.

The new Syrian government claims to be combating supporters of the ousted President Bashar al-Assad, who is also from the Alawite minority. The situation escalated with an uprising in the Alawite provinces of Latakia and Tartus, reportedly led by former officers of Assad’s army. One key figure in this uprising, Ghiyas Dala, announced the formation of the “Military Council for the Liberation of Syria,” establishing a structure that reflected the organized opposition against the regime.

Significantly, the newly established government acknowledged some “violations” during their crackdown of Assad’s supporters, attributing responsibility to chaotic armed factions affiliated with the government. Graphic videos circulating on social media reveal alarming evidence of executions, further complicating the distinction between uprising members and innocent civilians.

On March 7, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa addressed citizens, blaming the unrest in Latakia and Tartus on remnants of Assad’s regime and committing to their elimination. His remarks were directed towards various militia groups that continue to fight in favor of the new authorities despite not being formally integrated into the new military command structure.

International reactions to the situation have emerged, with Qatar, Jordan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia expressing support for the actions of the new Syrian government in these regions. The ongoing fallout follows the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad on December 8, 2024, after nearly a quarter-century in power. Following his departure for Moscow, a transitional government has been established among the Syrian opposition, led by Muhammad Bashir of the “Salvation Government”.

Ahmad al-Sharaa, the primary leader of the new administration, has asserted that Syria is now a nation exhausted from conflict and no longer poses a threat to its neighbors or the West. He is advocating for the lifting of sanctions that were originally imposed on the former regime. Subsequently, in January, the new government declared the dissolution of parliament and various military groups, with Ahmad al-Sharaa positioned to assume the presidency during this transitional phase.

The recent killings of civilians by the new Syrian authorities reflect a startling escalation in the long-standing conflict within Syria. The violence, particularly against the Alawite minority, underscores the fragility and volatility of the new regime following the ousting of President Assad. As the international community observes these developments, the potential for further unrest remains heavily contingent upon the responses from various factions and regional players.

Original Source: babel.ua